Does anyone here sews? Any tips or advice for beginner? - YouLookFab Forum

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Does anyone here sews? Any tips or advice for beginner?

Victoria

(website)

Veteran

I just recently started doing some sewing and bought my first sewing machine. so far I only done minor alterations on some of my shirts but would love to try actually making something, I just don't know what. What would be the easiest thing to make? I don't want to be too ambitious

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20 replies

Latest reply was from Kristin L

rachylou

Veteran

Maybe a wrap-around-skirt?

Sarah A

Veteran

I just sewed my first ever dress. It was easier than I thought. I would suggest getting a pattern that is labeled as easy and giving it a whirl. following the directions precisely and lots of ironing in between sewing steps was key for me to gt a good result. i look forward to sewing more clothes and found it easier (although more time consuming) to sew from scratch than to try to alter which I have never had great success at.

missvee

Veteran

A simple top that goes on over your head, without buttons or a zip, would be very easy. You could make it longer to use as a dressing gown or bathing suit coverup. Or shorter and wear it as a tunic over shorts or a skirt. If you want to try a skirt with a zipper, then start with a patterned fabric ( no stripes or checks that you have to match). Solid colours are not as forgiving either. The main thing is to practice a few times and don't get discouraged if you're not perfect the first time out.

Susie

Veteran

I took a beginning sewing class last year where we made pajama pants (elastic waist) from an easy pattern.

Glory

Veteran

Oh what fun! I second the idea of a skirt which wraps in a fun pattern.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I recommend starting with a skirt. There are numerous patterns and tutorials available on the Internet, and a simple A-line is probably the easiest shape to get right. You should also consider the fabric: Shirting (cotton or poly/cotton) is very easy to start with. Double knit jersey with quite little stretch (maybe similar to ponte knit) is easy to work with, too. Avoid very flimsy, silky fabrics at first, to prevent disappointing experiences until you get the hand of it. Patterns are easy if they have an overall repeat, but like Missvee said, checks and stripes must be matched when you cut the fabric, so they are a bit more tricky. Maybe Burdastyle could be of inspiration and help Good luck! Sewing is great fun.

Kristin SF

Veteran

My first project was an A-line skirt - simple and easy, and I learned how to insert a zipper. You can probably find lots of good demos on youtube for inserting zippers, adding interfacing, and hemming. Throw pillowcases are also a good starting project.

Agree about the ironing part - that was my first purchase after the sewing machine - an upgrade to a great iron.

I love this website - lots of great pattern reviews and active forums:
http://sewing.patternreview.com/

I also highly recommend a sewing class. Maybe try your local fabric store. I started with a girl who ran sewing workshops out of her home - 3-4 students at a time. We did a single sewing project over 2-3 weeks. Fun and relaxing. Good luck!

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Elastic waist A-line skirts are easiest, followed by elastic waist pajama pants or sweats. Look for patterns for unlined skirts, no pleats or darts. Simplicity, McCalls, and Butterick make the easiest to follow patterns, Vogue patterns are harder. I think each of the big 3 has their own "learn to sew" line, and all patterns are marked with degree of difficulty. No matter what you choose to make, have fun!

Thistle

Veteran

I would try a circle skirt.

http://www.danamadeit.com/2008.....skirt.html

Anonymous

Wovens are easier to stitch than knits. I agree that a popover top would be a pretty simple project (like an over-sized T-shirt blouse). I was looking at patterns for one the other day but all I could find was ones meant for knits so I came away empty handed. Good luck!

Gaylene

Veteran

My DIL's is just starting to move from craft projects to wanting to sew her own clothes. I gave her my old Bernina sewing machine and a couple of the Burdastyle books to get her started. The books assume that you have very little sewing experience and hold your hand throughout the construction, giving you tips on how to adjust patterns to fit your own body and showing you various techniques like inserting a zipper, putting on a waistband, etc. using lots of illustrations. You can also find videos for many of these techniques on the Burdastyle website.

The books come complete with patterns and lots of ideas for adapting the basic pattern to suit your own style preferences. The only downside is that the patterns need to be traced onto paper before they can be used, but the books give complete instructions on how the process works.

She has had a lot of fun so far and has made herself a top, a skirt, and a dress. Her next project is going to be a summer jacket.
http://www.amazon.com/BurdaSty.....r_product_
http://www.amazon.com/BurdaSty.....gy_b_img_y

Anonymous

I was just looking into this today. I have an old sewing machine, but I have always had problems with it.

I'll have to look into these books.

Any recommendations on sewing machines for just making the basics?

Kristin SF

Veteran

Mtgirl, a basic Kenmore or Singer at Target, Michaels, or Sears is a good bet. Check http://sewing.patternreview.com/ for sewing machine reviews, too, before you buy.

amiable

Veteran

I really like the Colette Sorbetto as a good early project (maybe after your first skirt? A skirt is probably easier).

http://www.coletterie.com/cole.....rbetto-top

As for sewing machines - I prefer the old ones (much sturdier and higher quality), and would try out one from a sewing machine repair shop or off of craigslist. Just be sure you try it out first. I try out a few different types of fabric (I bring my own small pieces, needles and thread), and every stitch available. I make sure I understand how everything works and am satisfied with how easy it is to use and it's quality before I buy. But I've gotten some amazingly stellar machines for a song this way.

Gaylene

Veteran

Mtgirl, my recommendation would be to look for a vintage machine that was kept in good condition. In my opinion, you'll enjoy sewing so much more if you have a decent machine; if you own a cheap machine, it will sit in the closet and will only be pulled out if you have to hem something. There are lots of excellent vintage machines out there. Try posting a notice in a seniors' residence or a fabric store, check with a local sewing machine dealer, visit a garage/tag sale in an older neighborhood, or even just ask friends' mothers and grandmothers. I'll bet you'll find a something for less than $50. Add another $50-$75 for a tune-up and you'll have a machine that will sew circles around anything that you can pick up in Target or Walmart, or Sears.

Look for a high-end, European machine--Viking/Husqvarna, Bernina, or Pfaff are all good makes. Look for a 25-35 year old machine with a metal chassis and mechanical components, with limited or no electronic parts. If the machine has been well-looked after, it will come with all the original accessories and probably even the original manual and case. The machine should still be in very good condition if it's been used with love and care, and stored properly.

You'll want a free arm that's narrow enough to work on all kinds of narrow diameter sewing and an easy buttonhole feature. All of these machine will have a variety of zigzag stitches and adjustable needle positions; check to make sure that the knobs still move freely. Some machines will have automatic needle threaders, levers instead of screws to remove and replace needles and feet, automatic tension adjustment, and other special features. You should also get a handful of different feet so you can blind-hem, sew on buttons, insert zippers, and perform a host of other operations.

My DIL is now using my 35 year-old Bernina instead of her cheap Kenmore and can't believe how much easier it is to sew on the vintage machine. I'm currently using a 30 year-old Pfaff that belonged to my mother which is still a beautiful machine. A precision sewing machine can be cheap as chips these days if you just take a bit of time to locate one whose owner is willing to pass it on to the next generation. And you might get the odd sewing lesson thrown in for free as well!

Anonymous

Not sure how I managed to miss this thread yesterday! As a fellow sewer too I thought I'd just chime in and say (probably echoing others) I would start with an A line skirt or simple top for starters. And I've been sewing for customers for 25 years and always used a mechanical (as opposed to electronic) sewing machine. I'm on my second Bernina and I love it!
Start with a fabric that presses really easily like a cotton or a wool. If you tried a knit you have to use different needles and sometimes special 'feet' for the machine that prevent over-stretching of the fabric.
I have never wanted a fancy-schmancy electronic machine that does loads of different embroidery stitches as I would be paying for features I would never use. If you just want to do lovely sewing and eventually tailoring a basic model that does a few stitches will suffice.

rachylou

Veteran

I'm not a brilliant sewer or anything. My clothes sewing has all been focused on Halloween costumes for my godbabies. But I just wanted to comment that the right needle for the job makes a difference. I didn't pay attention to that for the longest time and when I started to, I was definitely *like* duh.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Do they have classes where you got your machine? I'd be sure to take advantage of any free classes offered there. Even classes that are focused on using the different features of the machine, rather than making an actual project, can be really helpful, as you'll know how to bend the machine to your will!

Lots of good tips here already on first projects. I would add that you should make something you really want, not just something that seems easy enough that you can do it. If you really want the end product, you'll follow it through to completion, and you'll have the perseverance to get through any challenges that come up. You might try an apron, for example, if it's something you think would be cute and fun to wear at home. It's kind of like a skirt but easier! But it will only work if you want an apron.

Anonymous

Thanks everyone for the machine advice.

I am glad you asked the question Victoria!

Kristin L

Veteran

I would honestly recommend taking a class. I tried to teach myself for a year with pretty miserable results. In my class we made a square top (http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-first-top) and a skirt that ... didn't go quite as planned for me. But, I still learned a lot about sewing in the class and can't wait start playing with some more things!